My Favorite Wildlife Encounter - Lion Attacks Mountain Goat, Glacier National Park, Montana 1992
I was unable to photograph the first encounter but I was able to capture some key images from the second attack. Both attacks unfolded in a matter of minutes; the speed, strength and agility of this mountain lion is unforgettable.
NOTE: these images are digital scans from my original kodachrome 64 slide film.
Momentum from the puma's charge forces both animals down a steep rock face
The pair tumbled down the rock face but before the goat could escape, the lion again had it by the neck.
Glacier National ParkImageKnowledge and LightPhotographSteve TornaWildlifeattackcatcougarcougar attacks mountain lionfelidaefelis concolorgoat lickmontanamountain lionpuma
After the goat expired, the puma notices my presence
The lion's jaws were tightly clenched around the goat's neck for some period of time. Once the goat died, the cougar immediately noticed my presence and began advancing toward me.
Glacier National ParkImageKnowledge and LightPhotographSteve TornaWildlifeattackcatcougarcougar attacks mountain lionfelidaefelis concolorgoat lickmontanamountain lionpuma
The big cat begins moving toward me
The lion began following me; at the time I assumed that it was stalking me. I slowly retreated and thankfully the puma turned back toward the carcass. I returned to the kill site the following day and observed both lion and grizzly tracks but the carcass was gone; only some fur remained.
Glacier National ParkImageKnowledge and LightPhotographSteve TornaWildlifeattackcatcougarcougar attacks mountain lionfelidaefelis concolorgoat lickmontanamountain lionpuma